President Trump’s decision to abandon the protections for 800,000 young people under DACA has been felt keenly in Queens.

Queens College Dreamer Guadalupe Muller, a Sociology and Urban Studies major who wants to finish obtaining her degrees in the fall of 2018 is one of the recipients of DACA.

Under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, immigrant children brought to the United States by their parents illegally without documents were allowed to attend school and receive work permits for employment so long as they had no criminal history and came here before they were 16, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Those with permits will simply be phased out of the program once their papers expire, if Trump gets his way.

“DACA allowed me to go to school, receive a scholarship that pays my tuition and I receive paid internships,” Muller said. “I was able to travel throughout the U.S. without being afraid of being detained by ICE.”

Despite not being able to leave the country, Muller was able to go on school trips to Pennsylvania and upstate New York.

Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Flushing) refuses to turn her back on people like Muller.

“Today, my thoughts are with the thousands of young people across this country who have had their dreams for a better future dashed,” Meng said. “Many earned degrees from American high schools and universities, and some even served in our military. These are exactly the type of individuals America should embrace, not turn away.”

City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan) agreed with Meng.

“Once again, President Trump has demonstrated a complete disregard for immigrants, families, young people and all those who risked everything to come to the United States in search of a better life and higher education,” Mark-Viverito said. “The New York City Council will continue to use every resource in our power to stand up for Dreamers.”

Through Queens College, which is located at 65-30 Kissena Blvd. in Flushing, Muller was able to obtain an internship with the New York State Youth Council Leadership, an organization that provides undocumented youths with resources in criminal justice, reproductive rights and immigration rights.

Together with members of NYSYLC Muller protested outside of Trump Tower Tuesday as she waited to learn the fate of DACA. After Trump’s decision to end the program nine DACA protesters were arrested, but being surrounded by other young Latinos gave her hope.

“It was very emotional,” Muller said. “It was nice to be there because there was a sense of support and community.”

Queens College was proud to support its DACA students. About 3 percent of its student body consists of undocumented students, according to Amy Hsin, a sociology professor at the school.

“Today, I unequivocally reaffirm my support for Queens College and all CUNY students who find themselves at risk of deportation from a country that has benefited greatly from their academic achievements, multiple talents, and hard work,” Queens College President Félix V. Matos said. “Every day it is my privilege to witness the commitment of young women and men to building successful futures through education.”

“They have my assurance that my voice will be among those helping to persuade Congress to uphold support for the DACA community,” said Matos.

Offering help to people affected by the dropping of DACA is Councilman I. Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans).

“My office will continue to offer free legal services and inform residents of the opportunities the city provides so they can receive an IDNYC card, free legal and financial services, along with a host of other programs which affirms our status as a sanctuary city,” Miller said. “Just because this policy might be eliminated does not mean we will negate our responsibility to these working families.”

Make the Road New York, an organization that fights for Latino issues, will continue to work on behalf of DACA recipients.

“Today the president escalated his war on our community, and he is being met with the fiercest possible resistance,” said Javier H. Valdes, the co-executive director of Make the Road. “Moreover, we will firmly stand up to members of Congress and demand that they rein in a president who continues to value white supremacist voices over voices of reason and compassion.”

Muller agreed.

“I was hoping it wouldn’t be that decision,” Muller said. “But I’m kind of hopeful that something better might happen because a lot of pressure is going to be put on Congress.”

Reader feedback

ethics for sale from queens says:

Looks like Naesty Rose hasn't done its homework again and prefers to sell out the American people. Fact is that the bobobama guy himself implemented the daca as "a short-term measure to deal with i.l.egals". His words, not mine.

Sept. 8, 2017, 4:48 am

Jerome from New York City says:

In 2012 then-pres. obama admitted that his DACA was but temporary. Now if HE can state that fact why then can't pres. trump? What say ye now, times ledger? Better get yer facts straight and stop trying to divide folks who would much prefer to be free and liberty-driven.

Sept. 8, 2017, 8:11 am

jackieboy from usa says:

Three years ago the failed and rejected housewife and candidate clinton woman sang a different tune regarding daca. Her words: "We've got to send a clear message, and that's send them back". yup. she said it. on national tv, filmed and recorded.

Sept. 8, 2017, 2:32 pm

illegal is illegal from queens says:

enough, one way ticket home for these cheaters

Sept. 8, 2017, 3:13 pm

yshaggy from jamaica says:

They got in the wrong way, there are people in line waiting to do it the right way, go back now that you know how it happened, you would have a problem if someone did it to you.

Sept. 9, 2017, 11:02 pm

jimmytheblonde from new york says:

um....DAPA, which was the 'deferred action for parents of americans' was also struck down by the courts. The former potus who was lounging and holding soultrain ensembles in our white house illegally instituted the thing. Same goes for DACA.

Sept. 10, 2017, 5:39 am

trusted immigration from NY says:

It's funny how the lib-lobes don't have a clue about what Pres. Trump has actually said and will do regarding DACA. Since most of them have zero intelligence and are unable to comprehend anything, they will typically believe any old story coming out of low-level news outlets such as timesledger. Fact is, the ohnobama made a mockery of US laws. Trump has said his admin will review each matter on a case-by-case basis and has no intention of rounding up 800,000 people to deport. If timesledger and their criminal accomplices refuse to tell the truth to the people they should get off the internet.

Sept. 10, 2017, 7:38 am

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